by Panera Spices Up the Menu
Panera continues to expand the menu at its bakery-cafes, and it is adding two new sandwiches that bring a kick. Here is the description from the press release:
Spicy Fiesta Chicken Takes Center Stage: Get ready to wake up your taste buds and kick up the spice with the arrival of the Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich. Starting at $11.59, this flavor fiesta features Panera’s new, creamy salsa verde spread. The sandwich layers the new spread with grilled chicken, white cheddar cheese, zesty, sweet peppers, cilantro and pops of roasted corn, all nestled on our warm and crusty artisan Ciabatta bread.
Kickin’ Grilled Cheese Heats Up a Classic: For those who love the melty goodness of a classic grilled cheese paired with great value, Panera is introducing the new Kickin’ Grilled Cheese. Starting at $7.49, this limited-time special menu item adds a touch of heat to your favorite comfort food with its creamy salsa verde spread paired with both American and White Cheddar cheeses on Panera’s Classic White Miche, creating a unique and delicious flavor experience.
Note that the prices will vary by region. These are not being tagged as limited-time-only items, but you may want to try them sooner rather than later if they sound tempting.
Zaxby’s Sauce Is Now Available in Stores
The chain known for its Chicken Fingerz™ is now bringing its signature sauces to store shelves. Here is the description of the three sauces available from the press release:
Zax Sauce®: A recipe so secret, it’s locked in a vault (literally). The legendary Zax Sauce® is a creamy, tangy sauce with a blend of signature spices.
Spicy Zax Sauce®: Spicy Zax Sauce® is a twist on the famous Zax Sauce with some added heat. Can you handle it?
Tongue Torch® Sauce: With aged peppers, garlic and mustard seeds, Tongue Torch® Sauce has become an instant fan favorite.
These are available from Walmart, Kroger, and Winn Dixie, and they are also scheduled to be for sale online from Amazon.com in the near future.
El Pollo Loco Stuffs Three New Chicken Burritos
This California-based chain has added three new burritos stuffed with their signature fire-grilled chicken: Guacamole Chicken Burrito, Queso Guacamole Chicken Burrito, and Chipotle Guacamole Chicken Burrito. The third one on that list promises to bring a kick and here is the description from their website:
Citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken, handmade guacamole, creamy chipotle sauce, shredded Jack Cheese, savory pinto beans, seasoned rice, and crunchy cabbage wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and grilled to-go.
These sell for $9.99 in my area and $12.49 for a combo with chips and a drink. They are not threatening to send them back to Limited-Time-Only-Ville any time soon, so they should be on the menu for a while.
Taco Bell Debuts New Cheesy Street Chalupas
Taco Bell has added yet another new selection to the menu with its Cheesy Street Chalupas. Here is the description from the press release:
Introducing Cheesy Street Chalupas, inspired by a vibrant fusion of traditional street taco ingredients – like fresh onions and cilantro – remixed with zesty flavors and premium proteins, all wrapped in Taco Bell’s craveable, Quesalupa-inspired cheesy chalupa shells. Fans can enjoy a pair of two Cheesy Street Chalupas with their choice of slow-roasted Cantina chicken or grilled, marinated steak for $5.49.
The prices will vary by region and these are around for the dreaded limited time only.
Hatch Chilis Arrive at Kroger
Hatch Chili season is upon us and Kroger will be offering an extended lineup of items kicked up with the peppers such as bacon, burger, sushi, ribs, and more. You can see the full list of selections from the press release below:
Private Selection® Hatch Chile Peppers in Mild, Medium, Hot and Extra Hot
Private Selection® Hatch Chile Ranch Petite Potatoes
Private Selection® Citrus Hatch Ancho Chile Street Corn Kit
Home Chef Hatch Chile Roasted Chicken
Summer Hatch Chile Sushi Roll
Meat District Hatch Chile Burgers
Private Selection® Hatch Chile Seasoned Bacon
Kroger® Brand Hatch Green Chile Ribs
Hatch Chile Shrimp
Bakery Fresh Hatch Chile Corn Bread
Beechers Hatch Chile Jack Cheese
These will be around for the next month or so until the season ends and supplies run out.
Quick Notes
Mike’s Hot Honey strikes again as the ever popular spicy condiment is now available at Moe’s Southwest Grill as part of their lineup of sauces.
And speaking of hot honey, the Hot Honey Rub flavor has proven quite popular at Wingstop over multiple limited-time runs and that will now join the permanent line of sauces and rubs at that wing chain.
If you are a fan of Maruchan Ramen noodles and Funyuns, then you are in luck. The two brands are coming together to offer Maruchan Hot & Spicy Chicken Ramen-Flavored Funyuns which will be available in stores for a limited time only.
